The document discusses a study of Batchbook, a Web 2.0 application designed for managing contacts, emphasizing its simplicity and user-centric features such as supertags and integration with social media. It highlights the tool's innovative dashboard, customization options, and strong focus on local small businesses and community engagement. Additionally, the document notes the strengths and weaknesses of Batchbook compared to other CRM tools like Highrise and Zoho CRM.

1. Tool Session BatchBook A Study in Simplicity K. Srikrishna January 30, 2009

2. Objectives Study a web 2.0 app that we are familiar with One that we use for our daily needs Draw best practices & insights Share with larger audience Evangelize & propagate key insights Focus on four things True innovations, features worth emulation Biz insights & observable shortcomings

3. Today's Tool – BatchBook (“BB”)‏

4. Page 0: Landing Page

5. alt="8,000,000 contacts are managed with Highrise"

6. Evolving Positioning 2008 2009

7. Some Web 2.0 Observations Most folks use a 20/60/20 or 15/70/15 screen split Definitely on screen0 – landing page BatchBook uses full screen beyond screen 1 Uses a vertical 65/35 split of the full browser screen Left (65) has the tab specific content Right (35) has commonly used easy-access tools QuickActions, Tag Cloud, Customization Most tools (incl BB) use a dash board Recent feature is ability to move fields btw LHS & RHS

8. Summary & Take-aways Simplicity in usability & functionality Finite functions, ease of access SuperTags Infinite extensibility complexity hidden & user driven Customizable dashboard Nicer implementation of MS SharePoint-like page Third Party integration & API MailChimp, (simple) API for reports Strong social networking slant (Google & Twitter search)‏

9. BatchBook: Diving into tool Tab bar as primary navigation QuickAdd Bar for easy access to most common tasks

10. BatchBook Dashboard

11. Simplicity - everywhere BatchBook Top level menus ZohoCRM LogicBright HighRise

12. Keeping it Simple: Quick Action Menu ZohoCRM HighRise BatchBook Quick Add widget

13. SuperTags – key innovation Tags on steroids User definable sub-fields within a tag Immense flexibility User searchable

14. Interesting touches Use of email Ability to auto attach bcc'd emails to contacts HighRise has this mailbox drop feature Ability to add to-dos through email Affiliations Interesting method to create two-way relationships client<->supplier, father<->daughter, user definable Social media integration Twitter & Google search in dashboard (configurable)‏ RSS feed integration into superTags (cool!)‏

15. Other Observations 3 people founded it (CEO, VP Tech & Comms Dir.)‏ Heavy local slant with local small biz support Very active in social networks Chris Brogan, Twitter, Local Small Biz forums Great marketing – locally & globally Active support forum Strongly using third party platforms Beast.se for support forum, FreshBooks,

16. Summary (1/2)‏ Launched with barebones address book With comms, tags & supertags CRM features Strong focus on small & med business Strong personalized support & service Subsequent revs have been around Minor (user driven) improvements Social feature addition (with superTags)‏ Supertag based variants design, real-estate, marketing 3 rd party integration & API

17. Summary (2/2)‏ BatchBook Core Value simplicity first Responsiveness Key Innovation SuperTags Differentiators Social + API Segment specific Missing/Negatives Reports are weak Contact-centered HighRise Core Value simplicity Brand following Key Innovation Cases+Deals Differentiators Cases API Missing/Negatives opinionated Zoho CRM Core Value Completeness Enterprise focus Key Innovation Use of Zoho Worksheet Differentiators Zoho Suite integration Missing/Negatives Comple(te)xity All things to all people